Retrospective: National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Conference at AIDS Action
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National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day was February 7, 2010. The Test 1 Million Boston Coalition organized a weekend conference for the event, “We Are Greater Than AIDS”, which AAC hosted at our offices at 75 Amory Street. It was the first large community event we’ve organized in our new space. We were very excited, and honored that the Coalition wanted to hold their conference here.
I had the privilege of playing “official” host for AAC over the weekend. Friday night the Coalition held a dessert reception for participants in our expanded lobby/client waiting area. In addition to the 40+ people who joined us for food and conversation, Boston City Councillors Chuck Turner, Ayanna Pressley, Charles Yancy, Felix Arroyo, Jr., and State Representative Liz Malia attended, as well. We were thrilled to see such strong support for HIV/AIDS care and prevention from the City Council. We were also happy to welcome a number of Boston clergy to the event.
The Boston branch of the NAACP, the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, Harvard’s Center for AIDS Research, the Black Ministerial Alliance, and many other organizations were also represented. Everyone had wonderful things to say about the new space and expressed there excitement over AIDS Action’s move to Jackson Square.
On Saturday the Coalition held a series of activities, including HIV testing, and health screenings and H1N1 vaccinations. There were educational workshops and an HIV focused community dialogue. Nearly 80 people turned out for the event! People were very excited about our plans to open 75 Amory Street up for community meetings and gatherings.
At the end I felt inspired by the group of people who came together to recognize National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day — to teach and learn from one another as we combat a disease that is disproportionately impacting black people and other communities of color. On behalf of AIDS Action, I want to thank everyone who made this conference possible. We look forward to working with these and other groups in the future, and open our doors to other community events.
